Giving employees and clients thoughtful gifts during the holidays is a tradition that builds loyalty and boosts morale. But when it comes to corporate holiday shopping, timing is everything. Wait too long, and you risk limited options, shipping delays, or last-minute stress. Order too early, and you may worry about overspending before the season even begins.
So when is the right time to start shopping for corporate holiday gifts? The answer depends on your goals, your budget, and whether you want to personalize your gifts with engraving or custom details.
Why Timing Matters for Corporate Holiday Shopping
Unlike personal gift-giving, buying for a team or entire company requires planning. You need to consider budgets, approval processes, production times, and delivery deadlines. Add in the rising demand for personalized corporate gifts — like engraved plaques, crystal awards, or branded accessories — and ordering early becomes even more important.
Companies that shop late often face limited inventory, higher rush fees, and longer shipping times during peak season. By planning ahead, you get the best selection, more customization options, and better prices.
The Ideal Timeline for Ordering Corporate Holiday Gifts
To avoid holiday headaches, think about your gifting timeline in three phases:
October: Plan and Select
October is the perfect month to start planning. Make a list of who will receive gifts, set a budget, and browse product options. This is also the time to decide whether you want to give personalized awards, engraved gifts, or bulk corporate presents. Early planning ensures you’re not scrambling later.
November: Order and Personalize
By November, it’s smart to place your orders. Personalized gifts take time for engraving or sandblasting, and shipping can slow down as the holidays approach. Ordering in November guarantees you’ll receive your gifts with plenty of time for distribution. It also gives you room to fix any errors before your event or holiday party.
December: Present and Celebrate
December should be about celebrating, not shopping. By the time the holiday season is in full swing, your gifts should already be in hand. This allows you to focus on presentation — whether you’re hosting a company holiday party, holding an awards ceremony, or distributing gifts individually.
The Benefits of Ordering Holiday Gifts Early
Early shopping isn’t just about avoiding stress. It can also save you money and help you make a bigger impact with your gifts. Many suppliers, including Crystal Images, offer earlybird specials for October orders, making it easier to stay on budget. You’ll also have more choice when it comes to premium items like crystal awards, custom plaques, or engraved corporate gifts.
Most importantly, ordering early shows employees and clients that you’ve put real thought into their gifts, rather than scrambling at the last minute. That thoughtfulness makes the gesture much more meaningful.
So, when should you start shopping for corporate holiday gifts? October is the best time to plan, November is the right time to order, and December should be reserved for celebrating.
At Crystal Images, we make it easy to find personalized awards and gifts that fit your budget and timeline. Order early to guarantee delivery and take advantage of our earlybird specials.
👉 Explore our holiday-ready collections: Personalized Gifts | Engraved Leather Gifts | Christmas Ornaments
